Labiaplasty Surgery Answers From Dr. Rajagopal

What is labiaplasty?

Labiaplasty is the reduction of the labia majora (outer lips of the vulva) or labia minora (inner lips of the vulva). The process involves reduction of elongated labia or the modification of asymmetrical labia. When labia and vagina are created where there are none, the procedure is called vaginoplasty. Hoodectemy is another type of surgery in which the clitoral hood is reduced or removed in order to increase sexual function in women who have trouble having orgasms.

Why do women get labiaplasty?

Women get labiaplasty for different reasons. In my experience, the number one reason for a labiaplasty is the desire to reduce pain or discomfort experienced while wearing tight clothing (such as jeans or yoga pants) or playing sports (especially bike riding or horseback riding) or engaging in other physical activities. The second most common reason for labiaplasty is shame or embarrassment about the way their genitals look and the desire to change their appearance. Other times, women want to increase sexual function– a reduction of the labia or clitoral hood can provide greater exposure of the clitoris, allowing for increased stimulation. Occasionally, a woman’s labia are damaged during childbirth, and the procedure is restorative.

How did you [Dr. Usha Rajagopal] get involved in labiaplasty surgery?

As a woman, I know that perhaps no part of our body is so closely tied to our self esteem. An elongated labia can cause shame or embarrassment with sexual partners and sometimes cause pain or discomfort. I appreciate the opportunity to help women overcome these problems in their lives. It can make a huge difference in a woman’s life to feel better about the way her body looks. There also aren’t many female plastic surgeons and given that many women feel more comfortable having this procedure performed by a woman, so I felt it was important that I offer this procedure in my practice.

Can labiaplasty reduce sexual sensitivity?

If tissue around the clitoris is reduced, it may improve access to the clitoris and sexual sensitivity. Keep in mind that surgical technique is critical for the tissues around the clitoral area to heal correctly. The American College of Gynecology states that in cases in which the procedure has not been performed correctly, the tissue around the clitoris appeared disfigured.

How should I choose a qualified surgeon?

Make sure to check their credentials, before and after photos, as well as how many times they have performed the procedure.

How many times have you performed the procedure( labiaplasty/vaginal reconstruction)?

Over the past 18 years, Dr Rajagopal has performed over 1000 labiaplasty surgeries and vaginal reconstructions in San Francisco.

Labiaplasty surgery, (labioplasty), also known as labia reduction, vaginal lip reduction, or labia and vulvar rejuvenation, is a procedure to decrease the size and improve the appearance of enlarged, hypertrophic or asymmetrical labia minora.

As a leading surgeon in labiaplasty, Dr. Rajagopal has been performing vaginoplasy and vaginal rejuvenation surgeries since 1999.

The enlarged labia may cause some women to experience discomfort with pinching or pulling during certain activities, or with some clothing. Sometimes childbirth may cause the labia to become stretched and enlarged, and reconstruction after childbirth may become necessary. Labiaplasty surgery can reduce this discomfort and enlargement with a simple out-patient procedure to create a smaller, thinner, more comfortable, size and shape.

Rejuvenating the vulvar area can include a labia minora reduction, labia majora reduction, labia majora enhancement, and a reduction or lifting of the pubic area. Asymmetrical labia minora and majora can also be treated with this vulvar rejuvenation procedure. Vulvar rejuvenation surgery can greatly enhance genital aesthetics and is often done by Dr. Rajagopal when performing a mommy makeover procedure.

San Francisco Plastic Surgery and Laser Center

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, Dr Usha Rajagopal and her highly trained staff bring an integrated and comprehensive team approach, along with women’s insight and sensitivity, to the art of cosmetic surgery.

Located in beautiful Union Square, the practice-the San Francisco Plastic Surgery and Laser Center-has been a Bay Area leader for 20 years for cosmetic plastic surgery of the face, breast and body.